Gluten-Free Products Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Gluten-Free Products Market is projected to expand from USD 7.86 Billion in 2025 to USD 15.51 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 11.99%. These products are specifically formulated without the protein complex found in wheat, barley, and rye, primarily serving individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. The market is propelled by the growing global prevalence of these autoimmune conditions and rising diagnosis rates, which mandate strict dietary compliance. Additionally, growth is bolstered by a wider consumer base that associates gluten avoidance with enhanced digestive health and energy levels, extending demand beyond just those with medical necessities.

However, the premium pricing of these products remains a major obstacle to widespread adoption. High production costs lead to retail prices that often alienate lower-income groups. For example, Coeliac UK reported in 2024 that the average cost of a weekly gluten-free food shop was 35 percent higher than a standard equivalent, with staples like bread costing over four times as much. This significant price disparity continues to act as a substantial barrier to the sector's expansion.

Market Drivers

The escalating global prevalence of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity acts as the primary driver for the Global Gluten-Free Products Market, establishing a critical demand for compliant food items. As awareness of these autoimmune disorders increases, medical professionals are diagnosing cases more frequently, directly enlarging the consumer base that relies on strict dietary adherence. This upward trend is highlighted by longitudinal data; according to Celiac Canada’s '2024 Impact Report', celiac disease rates have doubled over the last 25 years. This rising incidence forces manufacturers to ramp up production and diversify their portfolios to address the urgent health requirements of a growing demographic unable to consume wheat, barley, or rye.

To address this expanding market, major industry players are implementing aggressive marketing strategies and broadening their product lines to gain market share and mainstream recognition. Manufacturers are expanding beyond niche health food stores into conventional retail outlets and investing significantly in strategic acquisitions to boost production capacity. For instance, Just Food reported in February 2024 that bakery giant Grupo Bimbo increased its sector presence by acquiring the Spanish gluten-free specialist Amaritta Food. These strategic moves are delivering concrete financial gains for specialized companies; Dr. Schär’s '2023: A year of great achievements' report noted that the company ended the 2023 financial year with a global turnover of 561 million euros, a 16.8 percent rise from the previous year.

Market Challenges

Premium pricing creates a significant economic barrier that hinders the growth of the global gluten-free products market. The complex manufacturing processes necessary to guarantee safety, such as maintaining dedicated facilities to avoid cross-contamination and sourcing specialized alternative ingredients, substantially increase production costs. These expenses are inevitably passed on to the buyer, resulting in a marked price difference between gluten-free items and standard equivalents. As a result, this financial strain restricts market penetration largely to wealthier demographics, effectively excluding lower-income consumers who might otherwise seek these products for health or lifestyle benefits.

This issue of affordability directly affects market volume and consumer consistency. When basic dietary staples are prohibitively expensive, price-sensitive shoppers are compelled to buy less frequently or abandon the category altogether. According to Coeliac UK, 77 percent of individuals reported facing difficulties affording gluten-free products in 2024. This statistic emphasizes a critical limit on market expansion; as long as these necessary goods remain financially out of reach for a large portion of the population, the industry will face challenges in converting potential demand into steady sales revenue.

Market Trends

The merging of gluten-free formulations with plant-based and vegan segments marks a significant evolution in product development. Consumers are increasingly drawn to "double-free" claims, associating the exclusion of both gluten and animal products with a cleaner, more sustainable nutritional profile. This trend has led major manufacturers to acquire specialized brands that lead in this space, moving beyond simple grain substitution toward holistic plant-based nutrition. For example, The Simply Good Foods Company announced in a June 2024 press release that it acquired the plant-based protein shake brand OWYN for $280 million to broaden its presence in the nutritional snacking category, highlighting the industry's realization that the future of gluten-free is tied to the wider plant-based wellness movement.

Concurrently, there is a clear trend toward fortifying gluten-free products with high protein and functional nutrients to resolve historical nutritional deficiencies. Earlier versions of gluten-free goods were often criticized for relying on refined starches like white rice and tapioca, which provided high glycemic indices but little nutritional value.

Manufacturers are now securing supply chains for nutrient-rich ingredients to attract health-conscious consumers who seek performance results alongside dietary compliance. According to a September 2024 press release from Bay State Milling, the company acquired Montana Gluten Free to scale up production of SowNaked Oats, a proprietary hulless variety with 40 percent more protein than traditional oats. This functional enhancement is shifting the sector from a medical necessity market into a performance nutrition category.

Key Players Profiled in the Gluten-Free Products Market

• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• The Hain Celestial Group
• General Mills Inc.
• Kellogg Co.
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Hero Group
• Barilla G. e R. Fratelli S.p.A
• Seitz glutenfrei
• Freedom Foods Group Limited
• Ecotone

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Gluten-Free Products Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Gluten-Free Products Market, by Type:

• Bakery Products
• Pizzas & Pastas
• Cereals & Snacks
• Savories
• Others

Gluten-Free Products Market, by Source:

• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Rice & Corn
• Dairy & Meat Products
• Others

Gluten-Free Products Market, by Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others (Specialty Stores)

Gluten-Free Products Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Gluten-Free Products Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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